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Looking for something special for your Dad? From a vast choice of whisky and gin, to sweet treats of luxurious handmade chocolates, gift-wrapped confectionery or some of our beautifully embossed tinned biscuits, we’ve got the perfect gift for him in Geraldo’s of Largs.

Whisky loving Dad

Nothing beats a warming whisky to wind down in the evening. We have a lovely selection from many independent distilleries across all of the regions. Our newly qualified in-store whisky connoisseurs are also at hand to give you advice and help you find the ideal dram for your Dad.

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Gintastic Dad

Perhaps your Dad prefers a gin. With a choice of over 40 artisan gins in store, you’re bound to find one that would tempt his tastebuds. Pair it with a refreshing Fever-Tree Tonic and you’re all set to go.

You could also give him the opportunity to sample many different gins at one of our gin fests in Largs. We’re sure he would be delighted to receive a ticket for either Regatta Gin Fest in August or Geraldo’s Gin Fest in November. A real treat to look forward to!

Sweet tooth Dad

Luxurious handmade chocolates and gift-wrapped confectionery are always a winner for a sweet-toothed Dad. We have a wonderful range of chocolate liqueurs, high quality turkish delight, embossed tins of shortbread and wonderfully moist and delicious whisky cakes.

We hope this helps you find his perfect gift and wish all the Dads out there a wonderful Father’s Day this Sunday.

Where can you find the perfect malt whisky, mouthwatering handmade chocolates and stunning scenery? The Isle of Arran of course! The Geraldo’s team had a fabulous and truly informative day out this week to one of Scotland’s most magical islands and what a day it was!

The Isle of Arran Distillery

After a breezy trip on the ferry, Senior Brand Manager, Louisa Young, accompanied the team to the newly refurbished distillery in Lochranza. Nestled below the mountains, the distillery is in the ideal location to produce the perfect malt; where the pure water flows into nearby Loch na Davie. Combine this with Arran’s warm micro-climate, high quality barley and yeast, expertly picked oak casks and patience – up to 18 years of patience – while the wondrous character of the whisky matures. But as Master Craftsman, James MacTaggart says, “There is no point having good ingredients if you don’t have good people to make it.” The passion and knowledge that James, Louisa and all of the staff at the distillery have about their whisky is inspiring and it tastes fabulous too. Tours are starting again on Monday, 27th Feb 2017 and definitely worth taking the trip over there to see it.

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The Arran Chocolate Factory

We all had a warm glow (could’ve been the whisky) as we travelled back to Brodick; spotting golden eagles, deer and seals en route. The magic continued as we were welcomed by owner James McLehry, and his senior chocolatier Jan, at The Arran Chocolate Factory. The sweet aroma hits you as soon as you enter the shop. Jan, who has been making chocolate there for 15 years, gave us a fabulous demonstration on making Easter eggs and some of their delicious hand-crafted treats. We also got a sneaky peek at some of her wonderful Easter creations. Watch this space as these little ducklings are sure to nip over the water to Geraldo’s of Largs soon!

Let’s face it, Dads like to know that they are appreciated and what better way to make him feel special than to get him a thoughtful gift on Father’s Day. So what to get?

Well pop into the shop or have a look at our website for some inspiration. From a vast choice of whisky and gin, to sweet treats of luxurious handmade chocolates, gift-wrapped confectionery or some of our beautifully embossed tinned biscuits. You are sure to find something he’ll love.

Whisky is often a popular choice. If your Dad has a particular preference of whisky, we have several expressions to choose from and can suggest something different that’s not found in the supermarkets. If he is keen to learn more about the ‘water of life’ our new whisky learning set makes the perfect accompaniment.

Or perhaps he is a gin drinker? With over 30 artisan gins to choose from, you’re bound to find one that would tempt his tastebuds. From Rock Rose in the North, to NB Gin in the East, The Botanist in the West and Hendricks in the South, we have a craft gin from every corner of Scotland. Pair it with a refreshing Fever-Tree Tonic and you’re all set to go.

For Dads with a bit of a sweet tooth, our luxurious handmade chocolates are out of this world. Create a thoughtful gift by carefully choosing his favourite chocolates, have them boxed by hand and beautifully packaged for his special day.

What better way to celebrate World Whisky Day last Saturday than having a wee dram at Largs Food Festival. We were delighted to team up with Jim Irvine from Gordon & MacPhail in the marquee, offering our food fest visitors a taste of the creamy, award-winning 10 year old Benromach and the delicious boutique liqueur Atholl Brose. For many, it was their first taste of these whiskies and boy, did they go down well.

Jim Irvine, Gordon & MacPhail

Benromach 10yo Whisky

And the celebrations continued. As the food and drink producers were packing up their stalls in the main marquee, whisky enthusiasts made their way around to The George to soak up more information on ‘the water of life’. Cameron McCann, Director of Stirling Whisky, gave a fascinating talk and tastings of the fresh and vibrant 10 year old Arran Malt which was enjoyed by all.

Cameron McCann, Stirling Whisky Shop

With only a week left in the whisky month of May, we invite you to try a wee dram. Pop into the shop and browse our growing range of whiskies from all five regions of Scotland. With such a diverse selection, you’re bound to find one that tempts your tastebuds.

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Well here’s the 2nd instalment of my Did You Know feature and I’m sure you don’t need me to remind you that this weekend is a Bank Holiday weekend.

That means only one thing – all systems go for those of us catering for tourists or day trippers in any way. Stock orders in, all hands on deck and fingers crossed for some good weather, and let’s hope it’s several degrees warmer than it has been in the last few days.

Despite the drop in temperature I still have to be prepared for a hot, sunny spell and last week my delivery of ice cream cones came in, all 60+ boxes of them, so you could say I’m ready for some sunshine. We’ve changed our range of waffle cones this year and have a couple of new additions on offer including one rolled in popcorn and another rolled in milk chocolate vermicelli and, of course, our best selling nutty waffle. (My personal favourite!)

Our premium waffle cone selection for 2015

Thankfully I did actually manage that day away last week at the spa with Sweet Caroline. Unfortunately, after a somewhat painful massage to remove the lumps and bumps from my back and neck, I was guided into the relaxation room to recover then promptly fell asleep for the next 2 hours so most of the afternoon was gone! For those of you not working this weekend take time to relax, enjoy some family time and take advantage of the time off; you deserve it I’m sure.

Did you know this weekend also signals the start of Whisky Month and World Whisky Day is only a few weeks away when we Scots pay homage to our national drink. My display window is being dressed on Thursday and I’ll have more about what we’re doing in the shop in next week’s instalment including a fantastic offer on the newly acclaimed online Whisky School Courses.

Finally, did you know you can vote for us in the Waverley Golden Cone Awards? It’s the annual search to find Scotland’s favourite place to enjoy ice cream and since this is Geraldo’s 10th anniversary we’d love you to vote for us please. All you have to do is fill in the form online for your chance to win a fully stocked ice cream cart for a special event of your choosing. Closing date is Tuesday, 5th of May.

With less than a week to go you don’t have to be Scottish to celebrate the life and works of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, on the 25th of January. Why not invite friends and family over for a Burns Night party? Include a mix of traditional dishes such as cock-a-leekie soup and spiced haggis, neeps and tatties followed by clootie dumpling or crannachan for dessert washed down with a small glass of warming malt whisky. And don’t forget some shortbread or Scottish tablet to nibble on whilst you all recite your favourite Burns poems.

Here at Sugar & Spice we have a selection of whiskies and Scottish produce to help you add that all-important finishing touch to your supper table. Our Burns Supper recommendations are as follows:-

Robert Burns Single Malt
This is the official Isle of Arran Distillery Single Malt endorsed by The Robert Burns World Federation. Made from 70% Bourbon Casks and 30% Sherry Casks, this light aromatic Single Malt is ideal for drinking with your haggis.

Walkers Shortbread
With a vast range to choose from, our favourite as a ‘gift tae gie’ to your host or to your guests ‘tae go’ is their classic Keepsake Tin of four of their most popular mini shortbread varieties.

Arran Handmade Chocolates
Keeping with an Ayrshire theme doesn’t everyone love some chocolates with their coffee after dinner? The Arran Chocolate Factory produce chocolates for Arran and chocolates for us. If you haven’t tried them already we have 12 to choose from, all hand picked and boxed while you wait.

If you’re still stuck for ideas on holding your own Burns Supper then download this handy eBook for all you need to know. All that’s left to do is have fun and enjoy!

Today’s the day that invites everyone to try a dram and celebrate the water of life.

If you’ve never tasted Whisky before then get yourself along to Sugar & Spice today and allow me to offer you some assistance to help you celebrate World Whisky Day. Here’s a quick rundown on the regions first and, being a purveyor of handmade chocolates, a few suggestions to taste and try with your tipple. (Whisky and chocolate is fab btw):-

Lowlands – roughly between Dundee and Glasgow producing a lighter style of Whisky; fragrant, floral and fruity. Try the Auchentoshan 12 year old with our Creme Brûlée Truffles.

Highlands – encompassing many areas north of the Highlands Boundary Fault Line producing a variety of styles from spicy, aromatic whiskies in the north to fuller, slightly peaty flavours from the south. Try the new style Old Pulteney Stroma Malt Whisky Liqueur with our Besilienne Caramels. Mmm!

Islay – very pungent and not for the faint hearted. Peaty, medicinal, briny and tasting of seaweed but try an Ardbeg 10 year old with our dark chocolate chilli and lime ganache and you’ll be blown away with the taste sensation that hits your tastebuds. Wow!

Campbeltown – a cross between the lowlands and the highlands with a good sprinkling of sea salt to bring out the taste. Love the pale straw colour of the Springbank 10 year old and the aftertaste of a visit to the seaside on a warm summer’s day. You just have to try combining this after a light evening meal with my milk chocolate salted caramels. Oh my goodness, the words: “died and gone to heaven” will spring immediately to mind.